Nine Music Maker artists are in their last week of a five-week tour in England, France, Spain and Germany.  This European tour features musicians Eddie Tigner (84), Beverly “Guitar” Watkins (71), Tommy Brown (79), Albert White (67), Nashid Abdul (59), Pat “Mother” Blues Cohen (53), Lil’ Joe (58), Dr. G.B. Burt (73) and our artistic director/drummer Ardie Dean performing at prestigious venues and festivals.

It has been a long road making this happen. With the downturn of the economy last year we had no touring overseas. Due to the diligent work of MM Advisory Board members Jean Herve Michel (France) and Lutz Engelhardt (Germany), we were able to put together this summer tour.  Now they are working hard to bring artists back this fall and next spring.  These tours inspire thousands of music fans and challenge our artists to reach new creative heights, resulting in a huge sense of pride through these major achievements.

It is a huge undertaking to get such an ensemble of artists on tour.  In preparation for this tour, we helped raise money for Eddie Tigner to replace his keyboard and car after they were stolen; we provided Beverly “Guitar” Watkins with a new guitar to take on the road; we reprinted Pat “Mother Blues” Cohen’s CD to sell on the tour; and we helped all of the artists arrange doctors appointments, bills, and prescriptions so they could travel with ease.

When you support our Cultural Access Program, you help these overlooked purveyors of American musical traditions get their music heard worldwide.

By supporting Music Maker, you are truly helping us give artists a hand up—not just a hand out. Thank you so much for your continued belief in our programs.

Tour Schedule:

JUNE

  05 - France - Corbeil Essonne - Theatre De Corbeil Essonnes
  06 - France - L-Hay-les-Roses - Parfum de Musiques
  08 - France - Jazz Club Etoile - Hôtel le Méridien
  09 - France - Jazz Club Etoile - Hôtel le Méridien
  10 - France - Jazz Club Etoile - Hôtel le Méridien
  11 - France - Jazz Club Etoile - Hôtel le Méridien
  12 - France - Jazz Club Etoile - Hôtel le Méridien
  14 - London - Royal Festival Hall (Beverly and Albert only)
  20 - Spain - Getxo - Blues Festival
  22 - Spain - Madrid - Sala Clamores
  23 - Spain - Madrid - Sala Clamores

JULY

03 - France - Vienne - Jazz à Vienne
07 - Spain - Malaga - Festival Malaga
09 - Germany - Kassel - Kulturzelt
10 - Germany - Kassel - Kulturzelt